Vicki Lawrence, NELSON and Doug Stone among entertainers to perform at Spencer Theater in July

ALTO – Just a few miles north of the Village of Ruidoso is Alto, home of the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts which has a full summer of performance events scheduled.

The Spencer Theater has been hosting entertainment since October 1997, founded by Jackie Everts Bancroft Spencer Morgan and designed by Antoine Predock. According to the theater’s website, the mission is to “enrich the cultural lives of South-Central New Mexico’s residents and visitors.”

The Spencer Theater is located at 108 Spencer Road in Alto. Tickets for all performances can be purchased online at https://spencertheater.com/home.

Here are the events scheduled for in the next few weeks.

Dinner & Dance on Stage: Eddie Irving & The Classic Swing Band

Head up to Alto for a night of dinner and dancing at 6 p.m. July 14. Eddie Irving, a popular performer in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, will provide vocals along with the swing band in classics such as “L.O.V.E.,” “SWAY,” “The Look of Love," "All of Me” and more.

The evening will start with a three-course dinner on stage followed by music and dancing.

Proceeds from the night go toward repairing the exterior of the Spencer Theater.

Vicki Lawrence & Mama: ‘A Two-Woman Show’

Actress and comedian Vicki Lawrence will take over the Spencer Theater at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. July 16 in her Two-Woman Show featuring her iconic character “Mama.”

Lawrence is best known for her work as a regular cast member on “The Carol Burnett Show” from 1967 to 1978, where she originated the role of Thelma “Mama” Harper, and in “Mama’s Family” from 1983 to 1990.

She has toured with her “Two-Woman Show” since 2001 and will bring the laughs to New Mexico now in mid-July.

A news release explained that the show is a mix of stand-up, music and observations from her life, and Mama’s.

“I think people will get a kick out of the things Mama has an opinion about. We’re creating new material with a more modern and cutting edge. Where Mama is concerned, expect the unexpected. There’s really nothing she can’t do,” Lawrence said in a news release. “I hope people will be pleasantly surprised by a side of Vicki they may never have seen….I know they will be looking forward to Mama, and for her part, that crazy old gal will be up to the challenge.”

Ricky Nelson Remembered: The Nelson Brothers

Spend an evening paying tribute to musician and actor Ricky Nelson with his twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, at 8 p.m. July 22.

Ricky Nelson came to fame in the radio and television show “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” He is also known for his role in “Rio Bravo” alongside John Wayne, Dean Martin and Angie Dickinson, as well as his musical career which involved songs such as “Travelin’ Man” and “Hello Mary Lou.”

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson continue their father’s legacy by performing a rock and roll concert along with their band NELSON. The setlist will include their father’s greatest hits as well as songs they have written, such as “After The Rain” and “Love & Affection.”

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‘King Arthur’s Quest’: Missoula Children’s Theatre

Missoula Children’s Theatre, a traveling company, will be in Ruidoso beginning July 24 for a week of rehearsals and workshops with local and visiting children before performing at 7 p.m. July 28.

This month’s performance will be “King Arthur’s Quest.”

No experience is required to audition. Children and guardians should arrive at the Spencer Theater by 8:30 a.m. Monday. A rehearsal schedule will be distributed after auditions and parts are assigned. Participation is free.

Children will rehearse for about two hours each day until the performance on Friday evening. People can call the box office at 575-336-4800 for more information.

Doug Stone: ‘In A Different Light’

Contemporary country singer Doug Stone will take the stage at 8 p.m. July 29. Stone is known for his songs “I’d Be Better Off (In a Pine Box),” “A Jukebox With a Country Song,” “Why Didn’t I Think of That” and “Made For Lovin’ You.”

Stone will perform his greatest hits for the Alto audience.

Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Vicki Lawrence, NELSON, Doug Stone among entertainers to perform in Alto in July